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Chapter Text

"CAW! Inadama Kaigaku is requested at the butterfly estate!"

A shriek pierces through the early morning silence. Kaigaku had finished his mission with other slayers, as they disperse to rest or go to their next mission, his crow had returned and his calm night had vanished the moment he registered his crow's words.

Why is he wanted there? Kaigaku has only been there for serious injuries, when he first became a demon slayer he would get a lot of wounds that required serious medical attention but as time passed by he got better. His latest visit was for the required check-up the insect hashira implemented about five months ago.

As Kaigaku walked to the direction where he's told to go, his mind is filled with questions and as much as he wants to reassure himself that it's nothing, he's filled with dread.

Before he even realized it, the sun was almost at it's peak and the manor was just a couple steps away. His head is turned down as he steps closer but slower, trying to drown all the thoughts in his head. A hashira is asking for his presence, he tries to relax his posture and appear normal, maybe even look nice rather than the "resting bitch face" his unimportant colleagues say. The smell of wisteria and antiseptic typical in a hospital hits him as he opens the doors and lets himself in. He takes a few more steps inside, wondering if he'll meet a kakushi that could direct to where he's needed.

Instead he spots the insect hashira's tsuguko. Younger than him yet she is still theoretically higher ranked than he is(in theory! he still ranks higher in terms of actual rank!) She had gotten lucky and got picked up by the flower hashira from before- would Kaigaku be stronger if he had another hashira take him in? Someone who still fights instead of spending days in a peach orchard?

He moves closer till she stops looking in the clouds and finally turns her head towards him, "Hello, I was told to come here." He speaks as flat as he can. The girl spins her usual coin, tails, she motions her head to another hallways and puts up three of her fingers. He nods his head as a sign of gratitude, to seem polite. He guesses that she means the third door on that hallways is where he's needed, seriously, does she need spin that stupid every time she needs to something?! It's idiotic and unnecessary but it's not like he could just say it to her face, even if she doesn't look like the type to report that to her master Kaigaku is not risking it.

As he stand by the third door he wonders if he should knock or just go in unannounced? In the end he just taps the door before entering. At the sound of the door, a head turns. The insect hashira stands before him, he looks slightly down to meet her eyes before he bows. It's funny to think the hashiras Kaigaku meets are always so short.

"Insect pillar, may I know why I was called here?" So polite. As if Kaigaku isn't annoyed he has to go all the way here, he could be resting or scouting information in his next mission. Although there is a chance that it's health related, in that case, they should've just sent a letter.

"Inadama! Good morning to you as well!" Kocho greet him cheerfully. He can't help but wonder if there's a curse or a disease to anyone who takes the mantle in the butterfly estate, where they have to be unbearably sunny and cheerful. Kaigaku had joined in his late 14, he had met kanae only once or twice before she suffered to upper two, she was always smiling while her younger sister always looked stressed out. Now, she's the one who's doing her sister's act. Kaigaku doesn't know if she's happy that she's gone or that she's grieving in a weird way, either way, he doesn't care.

Kaigaku's attention goes back to the hashira as she continues to speak, "I'm glad you were able to come here on such short notice, our staff has a lot of things to do so we're glad you're here to lessen the load."

HUH?! Was he told to come here just to work as a lackey?! Kaigaku straightened his body like a bow getting drawn, before he throws accusations and his disbelief he quickly asks, "What? What am I suppose to do?"

Kocho had paused and look at him, it looks like she finally realized he doesn't what the hell is going on. She at least had the decency to look ashamed, "Oh, I apologize. I was under the pretense your grandpa had informed you of what happened to your brother. Terribly sorry, see, while on a mission he had…"

Kaigaku had tuned out whatever the insect hashira was discussing to him, his head was replaying her first sentence. Grandpa? Does she mean his teacher? Only the brat calls him that, even though master is lenient to him it's incredibly disrespectful to misinform a hashira about his relations to the former hashira. And brother?! God, this fucking kid. Kaigaku had to breath deeply to not look like he's about to burst. He'll definitely beat the crap out of him the next time he sees him.

"-It was adorable at first but they would be such a hassle and my girls can't take care of them-"

He should really pay attention, it's important and a hashira is even in front of him, he's going to look like an airhead. but he can't stop the thoughts running around his head. Why is he needed here? He doesn't give a shit on what happened to that fool, hell, Kaigaku would love it he just got eaten by a demon. That way he doesn't have to hear that annoying ass voice anymore, and his teacher could finally get another disciple who isn't a waste of space.

"-we first contacted your grandpa but we were told his leg couldn't make the journey but luckily he has you!"

As he fantasized a world where his useless junior doesn't exist, he notices that the hashira is about to finish. Fuck, he didn't pay attention to what she said. What is he gonna do now?! He turns his head up to refocus his attention to the pillar in front of him.

"Uh- I think understand, miss kocho, but what do I need to do?" Kaigaku cringes. So polite. It's a pillar, she's obviously superior to him despite her lack of physical strength. It's irritating to be near their presence, he just wants to get this done.

"Well, take him with you, of course!" She moves her body to the side to reveal a…

.

.

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A KID?! A kid with that god-awful yellow hair?! She wants him to take the brat and care for him?! Like hell! He'd rather toss him to a river and watch him drown! Kaigaku tries to calm down, he looks at the pillar again for more context. "Take him with you and care for him. He is your brother after all! So it shouldn't be that difficult." The brother in question is not his brother and he's just in the bed zoning out. Does he even know what's going on? He looks more idiotic than when his teacher took him in.

"May I ask will I juggle him and also slay demons at the same time? Surely a kakushi can just take him to our master? It's much more safer and our teacher would enjoy meeting him like this." He can already see his wrinkly face doing all kinds of happy faces at the sight of a baby Zenitsu, if he babies him even in his teens he'll definitely baby him even more when he's like this. All the money he gets from selling his peaches would be spent on toys and clothes just for him and it won't even be used again once he grows back!

"My my, such a caring brother you are! But no worries, I trust you can do it. After all, you are a Hinoe, right?" She lightly laughs. Caring brother?! What the hell made her think that?! Kaigaku eyes twitches as he tries to contain himself. "Unfortunately, that can't happen. He need to be regularly checked-up to see his progress into reverting back to his actual age and your grandpa lives too far that it would cost more of a issue if we had to transport him there to my estate." And what if he needs immediate medical attention? His mind supplies him at the end.

"I see…" Before he could even try to object and try more solutions, the kid gets down from the bed and engulfs one of his legs. He's trying to hug him? What the fuck. He hears a light applause coming from the other person in the room,

"He's attached to you already! Well then, you guys should spend some time together before going to your next mission. Inadama, please be reminded to get some clothes that will fit little Zenzen!" Kocho moves them outside the room, they slowly move across the hallway

"Zenzen?" What kind of nickname is that? "Oh, it's a just something my girls love to call him once they met him like this."

"Now then, Inadama, I need you to bring your little brother back in three days to see if he's growing accordingly. Of course, you may also come here if he shows any signs of growth within those three days." The brat seems to be light as the pillar casually picks him up. His arms showed little hesitance on letting him go before his tiny arms went limp. She talks so much he barely register the fact that Kocho had picked him up to place him in Kaigaku's arms.

"It seems we're by the door now! It was a pleasure to meet you, Inadama. Please do your best, goodbye!" The insect pillar waves her hand as Kaigaku turns his head to his front. Before he knew it they were at the entrance he came in. When he looked back, Kocho was gone and all she left was a empty space.

He guesses she really wanted them gone, huh? With no choice he slides the door and steps outside. A child cradled in his arms.

He is so hating this already...

If you can't see it please go to my twt [@Vermin_sleepy] I will be posting it there as well:3

Chapter Text

Just outside the gate of the butterfly manor, Kaigaku will be found. Standing still with a kid hugging his legs while looking at nothing like he wasn't aware of what just happened. Truth is: he doesn't.

The insect pillar told him to go here and all of a sudden he has to care for this wimp, just because he was so weak he couldn't sense or even block the demon from making him a goddamn defenseless baby- not like there's any difference. Only this time it's not their mentor trying to make them get along, it's a direct order from a pillar. Albeit it is that old man's fault for even mentioning him, is his home actually that far? and Kaigaku has seen that man run laps up and down the mountain they lived in, there's no way it's just because "his leg wouldn't make the journey".

Kaigaku sighs. He debates on just throwing the kid to a random demon slayer, they can't do anything if he just throws the twerp to them and disappear so they can't give him back. Would he get in trouble if he does that? Maybe- probably, he has yellow hair, it's recognizable he'll definitely get punished for it. Not to mention, the other slayers will have another thing to taunt him with.

As he mauls over what he can do to avoid being the caretaker of the little shit, said shit decides to tug on his hakama. He looks down, the kid barely makes it up to his hip, they stare at each other for a prolong of time. With the kid not saying anything, Kaigaku gets more annoyed and pissed off.

"What?" His tone is piercing, he sees him have a small flinch with how sharp his voice is. So he still got that super hearing bullshit he and the old man has in common, huh? Zenitsu hurriedly shakes his head and goes back on looking on the floor, his hands cling to the cloth that was given to him by the butterfly girls. Kaigaku scoffs and makes a move to finally leave. He takes a few steps to see if Zenitsu follows, he doesn't. He halts, annoyed.

"Oi, are you gonna stand there all day?! Don't waste my time and follow me." He takes a quick look back to see him scramble to catch up to him before turning ahead and resumes his walk.

As they walk on the roadside, surrounded by the forest, a crow shrieks breaking their quiet walk filled with underlying tension. Kaigaku's lips curves slightly upwards at his crow flying down to land on his shoulder, meanwhile, Zenitsu winces at the rattling sound, his hands close into fists, as the ringing goes through his ears he clutches harder. Kaigaku feels a change in the atmosphere, he looks down on Zenitsu. He can't even handle fuku's caw, tch, and their mentor wants to lump him with that…

At the same time, Fuku, his crow stops just as he was about to inform his master on his new mission. It angles its neck to get a better look at the companion Kaigaku has, he turns to Kaigaku as if waiting for an explanation. Fuku was just told to send his slayer to the butterfly manor but he wasn't aware as to why.

"He's my junior that stupidly got turned into a baby. Don't mind him." But as his headstrong crow, it deliberately ignores him and trails across his body to get a better look at Zenitsu. Fuku looks at the two before cawing. Zenitsu looks up to meet the crow, his eyes are empty but if you look closer you can see a bit of curiosity. Kaigaku sighs, his mind can't help to think that maybe he's too frightened at the sight of a bird actually speak. He gives them both a break, it seems like his crow won't move on from how scared the kid is. "He's sensitive to sounds, just don't make any screeching."

Fuku seems pleased with his answer as he stops looking at the boy. Just as Kaigaku can finally know why he's here Fuku takes flight to land gently on Zenitsu's head. Kaigaku should've requested another crow the moment he realized the one he has is clingy, always wanting to know what's on his mind, bothering him on any problem, so overbearing now it's using his feathers' to caress the brat's head.

Kaigaku feels his eye involuntarily twitch, annoyed and impatient, he's just about to yell to get on with it exempt he stops himself before doing so. He sees Zenitsu slowly but surely release the tension of his shoulders, his hands stops clutching his clothes. He sighs yet again, Kaigaku decides its better if he waits for the two to stop being all mushy and soft since the brat probably won't be able to travel by foot if he's quivering and wasting all his energy on trembling, he'd rather leave the kid behind than carry him if he passes out.

"In the second village you will pass is where you are needed! Reports of a demon sighting, targeting couples! You will be accompanied by two more Hinoe ranked demon slayers! You are expected to group up just before the sun goes down!" After Kaigaku stiffly watches the two have their moment, Fuku flies up to announce his new mission. His meeting with the insect hashira was short so time had barely passed. He could make his journey within two hours but with the kid he has to bring it will probably be three or four hours.

Better get this over with.

Just when Kaigaku was finally relieved they're so close, he hears a grumble. They had finally reached the first village and were on the way to the next, surprisingly Zenitsu never complained. The Zenitsu Kaigaku knows would be screaming in his ears, yelling on how long the road is. This kid is different. He hasn't spoken, granted, he's being pulled along by people he doesn't even know. Why is he not even wondering why this is happening to him? The pillar could have explained it to him but even now he hasn't said a thing, Kaigaku didn't mind it because he was spared from his irritating voice but now he's worr-

Nope. He's not delving into that brat. Zenitsu is probably an orphan and never even met his parents, so that's why. Kaigaku sighs for what felt like the umpteenth time as they have to stop and go to a food stall. Imomochi, Potato mochi, it's the first food stall they saw. And is conveniently something Zenitsu likes to munch on when they take breaks from training…

As they take a breather, Kaigaku takes a good look at the situation in his hands. Surprisingly, the color in his hair didn't change back when he reverted back into a kid, Kaigaku remembers how hard he laughed at the kid when he came to see as to why their mentor was freaking out and he found a skeletal tree and a newly piss colored junior.

His face subconsciously lightens up at the memory. For an outsider it would look like a older brother resting while their sibling ate their hearts out. When Kaigaku opens his eyes to see Zenitsu munch on the food as if he hadn't eaten in days, he's reminded by his past. When their mentor just took him in, the feeling of hunger that could finally be quenched, the unfamiliar taste of clean water passing down his throat…

"Hey! Eat properly, Zenitsu. You're making a mess everywhere." He sat up straighter to reach across the table they rested in, taking a paper towel and cleaning all the crumbs left on the table. His mood darkened immediately for having to pick up after the other.

"Did you even say your thanks before eating it?" He at least had the decency to look guilty, he used his tiny arms to scrub away the dirt on his face, staining the cloth a bit.

Can't help but sigh as he reluctantly asks, "Do you want more?" the brat ate all of the servings within minutes, and he still looks like he's hungry. Zenitsu hesitantly and slowly nods, a small nod that still sends Kaigaku into a small rage. God, this kid. He shouldn't have even asked him, shit. He curses in his head as he orders more servings. He might as well get himself something too.

They spent almost half an hour eating before deciding to continue to their mission. But before they could fully exit the village, Kaigaku heard the chatter of near by travelers.

"-Sayori was so scared. She even started talking about demons…"

"Poor girl…I heard from her parents she was with her lover. She must have been screaming with hysteria. Bless her soul." hm…

pushing down his katana, fixing it to an inconspicuous angle and hiding it more securely by covering it with his newly bought kimono. He takes Zenitsu's hand- gently, as to not make them seem weird as they already look- and goes forward to the two travelers conversing.

"Good afternoon! I heard you while we were about to leave, I can't help but ask: Where did this happen?" He puts on the most polite tone he could have used. The travelers aren't by foot like them, they're seating in a horse-drawn wagon, they look as if they stopped for a break.

The strangers look at the two back and forth, only for a while before the man answers, "It was in the village you're headed to, probably. If you're headed this way, I suppose." the man mentions the name before looking back and seeing Kaigaku's face turn sour.

He looks down, acting contemplating, "I see…you're right. We are headed there, I'm sorry for one more question but is there more occurrences like that?"

The man looks unease as he replies, "Yes. So far thirteen people have disappeared and all have been found dismembered and missing a few limbs. All of them were couples taken at night. Everyone in that town is at unrest because of it."

He sees Kaigaku look disturbed, rightfully so, he seems to have finished his sentence.

"We were headed there because we had a cousin write to us, he wanted us to visit him. He was recently engaged, you see, maybe he's also worried." Kaigaku looks at them as their heads perk up to his words. The woman looks back at Zenitsu, spending some time looking at his figure before she asks,

"Would you like to join us? We're also on our way there, we might as well give you a ride." Use their generosity. "Oh we couldn't possibly, it's fine, my brother and I are used to walking long distances." Smiling apologetically. "We wouldn't want to be a bother." He adds in.

She smiles, "It's nothing, dear. Now c'mon, hop in, you'll reach there faster if you come with us."

Seemingly reluctant, he helps Zenitsu to board their wagon before going in himself, he sneakily moves his sword to the floor so he could sit down, quietly making sure the two strangers don't see the weapon. He smiles and waves when he sees the woman look back at them in the front.

 Just a few moments after, the wagon moves. The horses could be heard galloping, other than that, comfortable silence fills his ears. He should ask more about these attacks. They could have more information about this.

He looks down to the kid next to him. They aren't brothers. he only said that because it would look weird if he was just holding a random child. No matter how many times the brat calls him 'aniki' he still isn't looking to be his family. Not with this weak and useless kid.

Zenitsu hasn't spoken at all. Kaigaku is glad but unnerved by this change, he remembers when the brat first lived with them. It took their mentor three weeks for him to start talking more, talk to him, talk other than thanking them for the food. Though it did take him less to train, he was just in their house for two days before Kuwajima made him walk the mountain blindfolded.

So him not talking shouldn't be a worry. He should focus more on getting them to tell him more about the demon attacks, attacks they seem to think aren't made by demons.

 Ignorance is bliss. Kaigaku thinks it's crazy they don't think demons exist, even in his early youth he knew they were there. Of course he would know, he lived with them, along with a monk and children his age. Orphans and a blind teenager, excluded from normal people, living off shame and a handful of donations given by people that felt pity at them. On a secluded worn out temple on a mountain, a mountain surrounded by demons who lurk at night.

He lead a demon to them, of course he knows they're real.

He thinks of ways to bring up the topic, but the man who's holding the reins of the horses beats it to him first.

"You look like you're thinking deeply. Worried about your cousin, yeah?"

Kaigaku's eyebrows are furrowed as he replies, "Yes. I can’t imagine what he must be feeling..."

The three of them talk, the woman had joined and revealed they were siblings who sells their father's work. They talk a lot, Kaigaku spills his false tales of their non-existent family flawlessly, he also gets information he was gunning for. 

The demon has started doing this two months ago, seven times he went to capture humans to devour, always a pair- a couple wether married or dating, the bodies are discovered after two days they go missing, then just one day after he strikes for a new one. Recently, only one managed to get away, the girl they were talking about before. The siblings doesn't know how she escaped but the townsfolk won't believe in anything she says, since 'hysteria' could be clouding her judgment, she's being contained and cared for in her house, they mentioned that she hasn't left her room ever since. It's been three days and the boyfriend was found, like clockwork. Meaning the demon is striking tonight.

As they chatter to one another, Zenitsu slowly falls asleep, he rests his head on Kaigaku's side. He doesn't notice it until after the conversation dies down. He wants to push him off, but that wouldn't look good to the siblings. Only this time he'll allow Zenitsu so close to him.

With how much they've talked it was only a matter of time before they arrived to their destination. The sun is about to set, we're just in time. "We're here!"

As he straightens up, Zenitsu grumbles awake. He mindlessly holds Kaigaku's kimono, tugging it, Kaigaku doesn't know why he's doing it. He shakes the kid to wake up before hopping off the wagon and then carrying Zenitsu down, discreetly taking back his katana and hiding it in his clothes. They move together to go the siblings in the front, getting down as well.

"Thank you for letting us join you." Kaigaku bows his head to show gratitude, he is actually glad he didn't have to walk. His hand finds it's way to Zenitsu's hair, pushing his head down also.

"You're welcome! It was nice to talk you, maybe we'll see each other again." The man replies in kind.

Before they leave, the woman tells them to take care of their cousin. Yeah…sure.

As they talked, Kaigaku had also asked if there were any inns in the village, saying their cousin's house was too small and they would be sleeping in another place when they asked questions, they recommended a nice inn that was near a restaurant. An easy landmark.

As they walked, Kaigaku looked below to see Zenitsu, they're still holding hands with Kaigaku leading them both. He's still quiet but he looks energized from his sleep. When he looks out front, he sees the inn the siblings were talking about.

As they walk, they're greeted by a nice familiar scent, Wisteria? The place looks like an average inn, with the exemption of it having more than usual luck charms, darumas and manekis cuddled together, tanukis on other tables, and a large painting of the shichi fukujins that's directly opposed to the front door. He moves past it all and goes straight to the reception desk.

The owner is lovely lady, who quickly gets their business done. Now that they have a room to stay in, Kaigaku needs to go to his mission.

"We're staying in an inn for now. Though you will be there alone since I have a mission to do, understood?" Kaigaku kneels down to see Zenitsu's eyes. One thing Kaigaku has noticed from the time they've lived together is that Zenitsu never had light in his eyes. Even when he was happy with Kuwajima, his eyes never light up like normal people, even when he smiles the biggest out of the three. It's only when he closes his eyes does he look genuinely happy. A disturbing feeling tumbles inside Kaigaku, knowing that even as a kid he always had these kinds of eyes.

He nods quickly before sitting on the tatami mat that's been provided to them. Kaigaku sees him fumbling a toy in his little hands, one he bought with the kimono. At least he won't be bored.

Kaigaku follows his crow to where the other slayers should be. The sun is almost gone, the moon has not risen yet. When he takes a turn, he finally sees them. Kaigaku huffs as he recognizes their faces.

Hayate Kazuya. He became a demon slayer a year after Kaigaku, he was with him on his first group mission. His bubbly personality irks him, but he's bearable because he knows when to quiet down. He's still mildly livid they're the same rank. No matter how many times he tries to get him to stop talking to him, it still fails. Which is why he's not pushing him off the moment Hayate runs to meet him half-way.

Kazeo Akito. They were in the same final selection. He didn't look like a talkative guy, something Kaigaku liked and he seemed strong too, So he went up to talk to him, intending for a small conversation to get on good terms but in the end they had broke into a fight just as the final selection started. Even so, they were together the whole final selection because Kazeo wouldn't leave him alone. He's lucky he's strong or else Kaigaku would have already kicked him in the balls. 

"INADAMA!! It seems like we're paired again, isn't that nice!?" His cheery smile that shows his crooked tooth brings a small bile up Kaigaku's throat. God, he's so energetic… Such a touchy person too. His waist gets attacked by a wild flower breather.

In the corner of his eyes, he sees the other slowly walk up to them with a sly smile. "Inadama, knew I would see you here. It's been a while seen we got paired, right? I was surprised to hear Hayate's loud ass voice when I was scouting for the mission."

Inadama groans as he finally pries off Hayate, they finally take a look at all three of them together. They're, frankly, the only people Kaigaku could tolerate. The others show no skill and technique but these two could be on par with him. Why they stick to Kaigaku? He doesn't know, but he's unwilling to ask why they're so happy to see him every time.

"Since you're late, you'll be the one paying for our after-mission dinner." Kazeo declares but he interjects, "Late?! I'm just the last one, asshole. I'm right on time, see?" He angrily points at the sky.

"Either way, we should have met earlier to discuss about this demon."

"I just got here. But I did get information about the attacks."

"From who?" Hayate chimes in, "I was talking to some shop owners here today but they wouldn't say much." He deflates as he adds in, "I got zilch. But I think everyone in this town knows the demon is gonna attack tonight."

Kaigaku was the first to say any valuable information. He talked to them about how long it's been happening, the similarities of every attack and everything else he could recount. After he said that he was planning on knowing about the surviving victim's account, Kazeo chimed in.

"I snuck into her room already, so no nee-" "Breaking into a girl's room…not cool, Kazeo"

"SHUT YOUR ASS UP, INADAMA! I'm talking here! -I had to calm her for a bit since-" "-since you, a guy, snuck into a girl's bedroom." "…Yes. Hayate. But after I told her I believed her about the demons, she spilled how she managed to escape. They planned on just staying inside because of the recent demon sightings but they heard whispers telling them to go outside. The next thing the girl knew was that they were outside and a demon was holding her boyfriend, the demon was gonna take her next but she had bolted away."

Kaigaku speculates on the information Kazeo had given them, "It looks like it's a demon that hypnotizes people with whispers but how did the girl get out of the hypnoses?"

"Hm, I don't know. But I think she has trouble hearing, I had to repeat myself a few times when I was talking to her quietly."

"Well, of course it's probably because of that. Are you not thinking again? I'm surprised you're still alive if you can't connect the dots." Irritated, Kazeo lunged. Next thing was a brawl. They've done it so much, the only one who isn't getting beaten up is unphased by it. Kazuya looks up the sky as he waits for them to finish.

"Isn't dangerous here? The demon can just whisper at us right now, we don't even have earplugs or something to cover our ears." Hayate expresses his concerns. Right now? Kaigaku looks at the sky and- The moon is already there. Shit, the demon could get us at any moment.

"We should be able to get something from the shops that are still open. There's less shops open at night, I think it's because the owners have spouses and having them open could target them." Kazeo had moved away from him and was already far away from them, going closer to the lights of the village looking for a store. Kaigaku groans as he catches up to him

Hayate had split with them, saying since the demon won't attack him if he's alone, he would patrol the area. Kaigaku wouldn't care if he gets eaten with his dumb idea but Kazeo did try to put some sense into him, he's a demon slayer the demon could attack him just for that reason. Nonetheless he still went his own way, Kaigaku would have done the same but Kazeo wrapped their arms together and wanted to buy the ear plugs together too.

Luckily there was a strange man with a strange shop. Kaigaku felt weird just from being near him, they had locked eyes the moment they looked inside his shop. It was filled with black and white bear dolls, pink hammers, a spear was hanging where a light should be, and bunch of other weird shit he couldn't name. Creepy… But he won't say it out loud. The stranger's raspy voice broke the silence.

"Why, hello! You know even if you're two guys, you kids could still get attacked by the demon." Huh? The hell is that supposed to mean?! "But then again, you guys are here to slay those demonic beings right?"

"Er- yes, sir. We're here to buy something that could plug our ears, something that blocks noise. Do you have something for that?" Kazeo slightly holds him tighter. The albino man gets even creepier by smiling at his answer. Kaigaku's eyebrows furrow, his mind is throwing caution signs despite him being a regular(???) dude. 

…He takes back his words. This guy is creepy as hell. As he brings a box to the front desk, he sees his right arm. Kaigaku shouldn't judge but it's weird as fuck for his right hand to have long red nails while his left hand is normal. They even look different, the right one seems too stiff, as if it doesn't work anymore and it looks more slender, like a woman's hand. Kaigaku can feel his back hairs go up. Now he's wondering what in the box but luckily as he opens it, it's revealed it's just regular earplugs, not some bizarre designed ear-blocking device that would fit right in the shop.

Kazeo silently takes out money but before he could give it, the man surges forward and if Kaigaku was a lesser man he would have screamed his lungs out. The other slayer flinches as his hands get grasped by the shop owner, their faces are so close Kaigaku feels like he's intruding on something. While he did that, Kaigaku had stumbled back, breaking their touch. The weirdo's smile gets even wider as his eyes start to look more like moon crescents.

"Oh I couldn't possibly receive money from you! You can take anything from me as long as it's for hope! The despair in this village was so immeasurable I had thought of just blowing everything up just so they couldn't feel that despair! You slayers are beacons of Hope! Your loved ones died and you decide to put your life on the line just to eradicate despairful beings that overpower you all, that's just so…hopeful…"

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.

.

WHAT THE FUCK?! Kaigaku swears he saw drool on his mouth as he said the last word. All this time as he spoke, Kazeo was trying to pull the man's hand off but unsuccessful. It was the man who broke it off as he turns around to grab their earplugs but before Kaigaku could take it, he speedily avoids his hand.

"Please wait, let me package this off for you. You'll need three pairs, right?" How does he know?! Kaigaku can feel his heart beat faster. He just wants to get this over with, he sees him comeback with a bag. Did he add something in? It would seem in character for him even though they've only met.

Not wanting to stay around longer, he grabs Kazeo and bolts out with the bag in his other hand. As the leave he hears, "Becareful! I hope your relationship goes swell too!!" Huh? Like friendship and shit? As if…

Now that they're out of the shop, he can finally breathe normally, Kuwajima would have beaten him with his cane if he found out he hasn't been keeping his total concentration breathing. He sees the other pat sweat off his face. They stand there awkwardly for a few minutes to compose themselves.

"So…that was…helpful ?" "Yeah and weird as shit. He could have just given us the things and be done with it."

He looks at the bag he's holding, it's heavier than what you would expect three light earplugs would feel like. Which means the man definitely added something. Kaigaku groans as opens it, looking inside he sees- Fabric? It's a white and gray plaid cloth.

Taking it out, he sees Kazeo in the corner of his eyes look with interest. It's…

"UNDERWEAR?!?!" Kaigaku didn't even scream, he just let the thing fall when he realized what he was holding out in the air. He wants to tear his hands out…or maybe tear that guy's brains out, he doesn't care which.

After finding a well to clean his hands- Kazeo said it was a waste of time but he's not the one who held a random man's briefs. They had put their earplugs in so they couldn't really talk, Kaigaku looks at Kazeo as they search for the demon and Hayate.

His brown hair that was always in a ponytail was the opposite to Kaigaku's black and unruly hair, just like him his natural face always looked hostile. Maybe that's why they stuck together. They aren't friends, they don't write each other letters and meet up just because they want to see each other. More than once they've had an argument, they've argued half the time they were together, it was only after Hayate joined in their little not so friendship group did they fight less. They would argue about so much, he's sure he's punched him more than Zenitsu but they still get partnered up when even the kakushis and the slayers know about their disputes.

his thoughts get broken when his hand is grabbed, alert, he bares for a fight but he doesn't do anything. Kazeo had linked their hands together, why? He looks at him, since they both can't hear he resorts to scowling at him but the other just flashes him with his shitty grin. The only thing he can focus on is the empty streets and the warm hand touching his cold skin. It feels weird, he always had cold skin, Zenitsu had complained to their mentor when it was the middle of the night and he accidentally touched him. He said it was so cold he's surprised why he's like that, stupid brat.

It's quiet. Kaigaku doesn't know if he likes it or not, one hand it's nice that nothing annoys him as of now but on the other hand it's so empty that he feels weird. His vision gets distorted from stray hair the cold night wind blew to his face, annoyed, he uses his unoccupied hand to put behind his ear. As he puts down his hand, his earplug falls off.

Stopping it from falling, he steps back. Kazeo falters his steady walk, looking behind to see Kaigaku. He moves closer, despite one of his ears are free he still doesn't hear anything. Kazeo's hands palm Kaigaku's, he takes the earplug and wipes it with his sleeve, as he closes in to put it back. Kaigaku is breathless. Before he could voice why's he's doing it for him, a whisper invades his ears.

"Kill him. Kill him. Kill him. Draw your sword out. Kill him…"

Akito was worried when the hand he was holding slipped away. Fearing that the demon had struck, he was quick to move. Just as his hand was near his ear, his hairs went still. As fast as he could he jumped away from Inadama. He had unsheathed his sword. his face looked so relaxed, it's uncanny, a familiar face but so unlike him.

"Inadama! Snap out of it, 'ya shithead!" getting reading to also unsheathe his blade, he watches as the other take out the remaining earplug.

Inadama lunges, no breathing techniques, he is truly out of it. Akito tries his best to dodge and deflect him, he tries to think of ways to get him out of the demon's control. As they play a deadly dance, he tries to get the other earplug that fell on the ground. He just hopes that no one is looking out their window, it would be a bad look if they see their own comrade turn their blades to one another- no matter how much they fought, Akito never intends to hurt him too bad. He doesn't know about Inadama though…

 Where the hell is Hayate?! he screams in his head, Akito has finally decided to hit back. Trying to wake him up, he deals non-lethal blows to Inadama's head. His katana is finally out but he doesn't use it other than to deflect the opposing blade trying to kill him. It isn't working, maybe he needs to hit both sides of his head?

Just as he was waiting for an opening, he feels footsteps racing to their area. Akito was almost at a state of relief, Hayate had come to them but he brought something else to them. At least he doesn't have to look for the demon now.

Akito sees Hayate open his mouth and it looks like he's about to start screaming his ass off. he's glad he can't hear it but it would definitely wake the civilians up. He rushes to him, a hand to cover his mouth and the other holding out Hayate's pair of earplugs. His hands are occupied, holding his ears to block sound, he's guessing that's how he's not hypnotized right now. They move in sync as they dodge both a mind controlled Inadama and said demon who's controlling him.

The two finally break off when Hayate finally has the earplugs, This is going to be diffucult…we can't communicate well. He motions to the other slayer that's still able to fight. Using his hands, he gestures on hitting his ears then pointing back on Inadama that's racing towards them. Luckily, he gets the message. As the three all race to each other, the two side steps and simultaneously collides their hands to one's ears.

BANG!!!

Kaigaku doesn't remember what happened but he does know this. He feels himself collapse on the ground, his knees can feel the scrape from the fall. He winces as he hears non-stop ringing in his head, a migraine could be calling towards him after this subsides. When his vision is finally focusing, the first thing he sees are his earplugs infront of him.

He hurries to put them on, stumbling to get up, he tries to observe his surroundings. Hayate and Kazeo are fighting a demon. Did he fall into the demon's trap?! Fuck. Biting his tongue at the thought of falling into a meager demon art, his own mind berates him, how could he be so careless?! He slightly staggers as he moves to get in the fight. He picks up his katana.

It's difficult not hearing if there's a incoming attack on your sides or back, all they can rely on is their sight and sense of danger. Kaigaku doesn't know how long they fought but all of a sudden the smiling demon had stopped fighting and jumped back far away from them. They're at a standstill but it feels as if the demon is just waiting on something.

As he takes a breather, he observes the demon. It's bigger than him and Hayate but could be slightly shorter than Kazeo, it's ashy skin has dark clue markings across on some areas. Markings that look like slashes, it's eyes have no irises but it's black slinted pupils stark contras to the white around it. It's a grotesque demon wearing a loose yukata. Hair is all over, some strands even float above. His smile is of yellow tinted teeth, unnervingly sinister. Along with his whispering blood demon art, he has several hovering tendrils coming from his back as his defense, it's difficult to dodge. When they cut them down, another one replaces it.

Just as Kazeo moves to charge on the demon, the doors of the civilian's homes slam wide open. Surprise and caution is painted on Kaigaku's face. Dread flows in when he realizes what the demon was waiting for. Even if they are safe from the blood demon art, the demon could still use the surrounding people. Does it work even if they're asleep?! Shit! How is there so many of them?!

All three of them launch out of their spots as the human puppets try to ambush them. Kaigaku thrusts his sword at the demon.

Thunder breathing, fourth form: Distant thunder

Just after he slashes through the demon's chest and arm along with some tendrils, Hayate moves in from above.

Flower breathing, sixth form: Whirling peach

Swerving his body to not injure the humans that crowd the demon. Hayate goes in for the neck but fails to cut through. It's getting harder to slash freely, the people are divided, one crowds the demon and the other half tries to attack them. Kaigaku lands safely at the rooftop behind the demon. he sees Kazeo fight back the humans mindlessly attacking him. 

At a disadvantage, he decides to remove the townsfolk to make killing the demon easier. He leaps down the roof, sheathing his blade, he uses the covered katana to subdue the human puppets, one by one they fall. As he does that, Kazeo takes the chance and joins Hayate on fighting the demon. he should be the one to kill the demon but unfortunately, Hayate was too focused on the demon to take notice of the civilians and Kazeo was literally fighting the civilians instead of pushing them away.

Finally taking the active puppets down he was about join fighting, they still haven't killed the demon due to it keeping two humans by him, whenever they were so close to slashing him dead they would have to maneuver to stop the attack just to not kill the humans, but he saw a small shaking figure in the dark.

Did Kazeo hurt a kid?! That idiot can't be stupid enough to actually deal a lethal blow to a mind controlled human… Thinking about beating the crap out of him, Kaigaku moves closer, quick to get this over with. He crouches down ready to see a random kid with an kick to the stomach but instead he sees a familiar yellow haired kid. Shit.

His tiny hands are trembling, clutching his ears as if he wants to rip them off. His face is flooding with tears, his youthful appearance is soiled by the agony painted on his face. His body is heaving heavily, definitely struggling to breathe. Kaigaku quickly realizes that the inn they were staying at is just a few paces away, he didn't know it was close because they had entered from the other side of the long street. Putting Zenitsu in a sitting position instead of curling down the rocky ground. He's probably overstimulated from the demon's whispers and add the ruckus from battle just behind them.

He thinks of what he can do, he could leave him alone, suffering, he could kill the demon quickly then he'll be fine but the longer they can't kill it the longer he suffers, would the insect pillar be mad if the brat decides to snitch that he left him alone while he was in agony? Maybe but that's the only choice he has, there's no other earplugs and he is not risking on falling to the blood demon art again. Why isn't he even hypnotized? It because there's too much noise?

Out of options and time, he takes another route. Picking up Zenitsu and dashing away from battle, Kaigaku runs far far away where the battle should only be heard within a whisper. The father they are the less he feels the body he's holding trembling. He spares him no comforting touch or a soothing words, he quickly leaves him behind on a bench in a street without looking back.

Kaigaku uses his breathing techniques to get there faster. As the fight is finally a few paces from him, he sees a opening as he marches forward. The two are visibly drained from fighting, dirt and blood coating their faces. They had at least taken out one human from the demon's reaches but there's still one in front of the two, so they couldn't slash willy-nilly.

Thunder breathing, sixth form: Rumble and flash

Carefully striking the demon's neck away from the human shield. He won't be able to slash the neck fully, as the demon was distracted he pulled the human away the demon, making it able to swing their swords more effectively. Kazeo, who was watching, immediately takes action as the tendrils starts to attack in Kaigaku's direction.

Wind breathing, second form: Claws-purifying wind

He sees kazeo grin more wildly as he unleashes wild fast cuts to the tendrils coming after him. Behind that, Hayate surges forward, using Kaigaku's slash that had already cut half of the demon's neck as a window.

Flower breathing, fifth form: Peony of futility

Attacking the front of the neck with all nine strikes, focusing only on the demon he fails to see a sneaking tendril going for him. Kaigaku changes the trajectory of his landing,

Thunder breathing, fifth form: Heat lightning

Using his fifth form as a boost, he moves to cut the tendril, completely going to the left side of the area to the right side in a blink of an eye. The heat from his sword causes the tendril to burn intensely, he's careful not to get close with the other two. The head of the demon falls at the same time his feet land steadily on the ground. It's finally over.

Before he could let a sigh of relief fall from his mouth, his knees give out. Hacking, his vision loses focus, blurring all his surroundings. His hand goes to one of his knee, messaging it as his breathing technique strains the tissues of his legs. Normally, Kaigaku wouldn't feel this exhausted but he had to take a detour because of that brat Zenitsu. Crossing the village back to back within minutes takes an obvious toll to his body, not to mention what he did when he got back. Dropping his sword, he moves to take out the earplugs, the ringing had stopped a while ago.

He can finally hear, the wind of the night welcomes his ears but before he can rest he needs to deal with the aftermath of the demon's destruction. The villagers should be waking up by now- well, maybe not since Kaigaku knocked them out. Trying to get control of the spasms of his legs, he tries to stand up but unsuccessful, he insteads absorbs the scene in front of him. Hayate is taking care of the human shields that was used just a moment ago, Kazeo is approaching him, he notices the villagers are all on the floor, surprisingly, there wasn't that much damage from the fight and the demon's tendrils.

"Are you alright?" A hand is offered. A hand he doesn't take, grumbling, he moves to stand up again. This time is successful. He doesn't have that much injuries exempt for a few cuts and the fatigue, the same could be said to Kazeo.

"You're an ass, y'know that? Leaving in the middle of the fight. I was cursing at you before I remembered you couldn't hear it. Why the hell did you leave anyways?!"

"Oh please, who was the first one to cut half the demon's neck, again? Yeah, me. So shut up and help me get these people back in their homes." Feeling tired, he ignores what else Kazeo has to say, he stretches his back before picking up an unconcious old man. How the hell are we going to know who belongs where? Fuck it. We might as well log them into random houses, they all know each other anyways.

the sky is still dark by the time they're done putting civilians into houses- wether it's theirs or not is not his problem. They're all exhausted but Kaigaku still has one more thing to do. 

He doesn't even take notice of what the other two are doing, too drained, he just goes back the way where he remembers he placed Zenitsu. It took him a long while since he wasn't using any breathing techniques and exhaustion is running throughout his body but he's finally there.

Before he turns to the street where the kid should be, his lower body is ambushed by something. He goes to a fit of coughs, if he wasn't so tired he would have noticed before they could collide and beat the shit out of whatever bumped to him. Looking down he sees that shitty piss color hair. He's still sobbing and shacking, Kaigaku could tell from the wetness soaking through his uniform and the trembling hands wrapping his waist. The hell?! There's no way he could still be bothered by the noise, it's all over now!

Kaigaku lets out a long and painful groan as he puts his hands on Zenitsu's shoulders, pulling him off and looking at him straight-faced and pissed off.

"What the hell. What's wrong now?! That fucking hurts." In response to him, the kid closes in on himself. He looks on the floor as Kaigaku sighs again.

"What." He doesn't even know if he's even going to get an answer from the kid. A migraine is disturbing him and Kaigaku is so tired, he just leaves and turns to where their inn should be. Before he could take a step, his sleeve is caught by a tiny hand. Eyebrow raised, he looks down to see Zenitsu's mouth open.

"Y-you won't leave me…right?" Oh he definitely would. Unlucky for him is that they'll look at him if Zenitsu goes missing and he doesn't wanna deal with that. Taking deep breaths, he replies,

"No. Now, come on. I wanna sleep."

They silently walk, as they do Kaigaku realizes that he finally spoke. he ruminates on why the brat was crying, granted, he did leave him alone but he should have realized he wasn't gonna stay. Finally going inside the inn and getting inside their room. Kaigaku doesn't care how dirty he is and just plops down on his mat. Ready to sleep soundly but before the lulls of sleep could come to him, he hears Zenitsu going near him. He opens his eyes as the kid plop down right next to him, they're face to face. It's annoying he has to see that idiotic face even more.

"Why are you here? You got your own, you brat." He grumbles, if he had the energy, he would have shoved him off while shouting at him but as of now, he can only bury himself further in his pillow.

"Cold." Is his only reply, he sighs but doesn't do anything. Closing his eyes, he drifts to sleep. Wether or not he feels the kid get closer to hug him is not important.

"Ew…Did that man actually give you his underwear? Talk about a bad flirt."

It was afternoon when they finally woke up. the village was an uproar as random people woke up in different homes. Luckily no one was around to see them do that so nothing was pointed towards them. Right now, all four of them are in a restaurant. Hayate had cooed at Zenitsu the moment he saw him together with Kaigaku while Kazeo was surprised that he had a kid with him.

They sit in a table, eating their respected foods. Kazeo had complained about last night's encounter with that strange shop owner.

"If he wanted to flirt he should have given the bag to Kazeo, he was touching him like crazy." Kaigaku comments before taking another spoonful of oyakodon. "God no. He looked so weird, especially that weird hope speech he gave us." He sees him shiver at the memory.

"But Hayate, what were you doing while we were gone?" Kazeo asked, Kaigaku doesn't know what happened after he got hypnotized so he listens closely to what they have to say.

"Oh I was wondering around as usual, but then the demon appeared! It didn't even try to use it's demon art!" "So what did it do?" "It started monologuing…he said all couples should die and stuff. Apparently the girl he was dating had spread rumors about him and blah blah blah- I forgot what else, it was pretty boring. He had said that there was a couple that were demon slayers nearby, he had gotten one with his blood demon art so I started running around to look for you guys, luckily with the wind and my hands I didn't hear a single thing!"

There was one thing that Kaigaku got from that, "A COUPLE?!"

he chokes on his food as he looks to Kazeo, he was shocked but didn't seem angry. Kaigaku gets even angrier at his lack of shock, "Why the hell aren't you more surprised?!"

"Well…" Kaigaku grows impatient as he drags out his words, "Well since the demon was targeting couples, I thought if the demon thought we were one it would show up."

"What?! You didn't even tell me anything?!" "Yeah because it was night time and the demon could hear us if I told you to fake it!" "God, so that's why you were so weird earlier." "You know what surprises me is how you didn't even questioned it."

"I did question it! We had earplugs the entire time so it was useless to ask!" He huffs as he closes his eyes, hurrying up to finish his food.

He hears both Hayate and Zenitsu gasp at their conversation in the background. The older one had his hand over his mouth. Kaigaku sighs as he wishes for the migraine that is the people he's siting with to go away.

To pick up the conversation, Hayate asks, "By the way, Inadama. Is he your brother?"

Hayate continues to coo at the kid on Kaigaku's side. "No. I was ordered to watch over him." Kaigaku replies, he didn't even want to bring the kid but unfortunately he has to because they're about to leave the village after eating.

"Ordered? By who? Also it's obvious they aren't related. Look at their hair!" Kazeo then points the stark difference of their hair, "Well, they could have gotten it by their parents. His hair is cute though~ what's his name again?"

"I already told you, Zenitsu." He sighs yet again. "Why doesn't he talk?" Hayate pouts as he looks at the kid in front of him. Zenitsu is still quiet but Kaigaku notices a flush of red on the top of his ears.

"Maybe because you're annoying as shit." "Hey!" "You know, Inadama. You still haven't answered me on why you left last night."

Hayate stops trying to get Zenitsu to talk and instead focuses on the other two, "Oh yeah! You left the moment we were finished, I mean- I get leaving but you could have responded to our goodbyes." He can hear the sad face from his voice but before he could say anything, Kazeo speaks first, "Not that! I mean when we we're fighting the demon and he just left!"

The other opens his mouth before closing it again while nodding like he means 'Oh yes, that.' "Zenitsu was under the blood demon art. I had to get him away from the ruckus." "Aw! That's so sweet!" "Shut up."

"Huh, no wonder. I guess you really care for the kid, right, Inadama? I'll excuse you just this one time for leaving on a battlefield."

Kaigaku's eye couldn't help but twitch, "First off, I don't give a crap of what you think, I still helped kill the demon. Second, I don't care for him. He's my junior that my mentor took in and now he's a baby and I have to oversee him." He finishes the last of his meal. "The old man's place was far from the butterfly estate so they decided to stick him up with me until the blood demon effect wore off."

It irks him whenever people say he should care for him, the weakling can take care of himself or he might as well die, no one was there for Kaigaku and he's still alive. The way they keep saying it kills him, it reminds him of Kuwajima always saying he should care for Zenitsu as if he has needs to. They aren't family. They don't know each other.

He looks at the reason why he’s suffering, it's quietly and happily eating the food he bought, clushing and smiling whenever Hayate turns his attentionto him or whenever Kazeo praises for something so insignificant. A leech. The chatter in the table doesn't go through his ears. He wants to get out.

"Are we done now? I still need to go somewhere." He asks but he's already getting up to leave, already picking up his katana.

"Jeez, you're always like that. You eat too fast," Kazeo says as he pouts with a mouthful of food. Zenitsu hurriedly finishes up to catch up to him.

"You're leaving early again…Zenitsu barely finished his food! See." Hayate exclaims as he gestures to the almost finished bowl of ramen. As much as Kaigaku wants to leave, it would be a waste if it doesn't get eaten. He gestures his head for Zenitsu to finish his food.

"How old is he anyways? He looks too young to be ten." Kazeo speculates, all three of them go to observe the kid. He is too small for a ten year old but too tall for a five year old. He's probably eight. That's what he looked like when he was that age.

"Zen zen! How old are ya?" Zen zen? Again… he shakes his head as he waits for him to reply.

At a slow pace, Zenitsu could be seen in deep thought before he finally puts up seven fingers. Close enough. But instead of acting normal like Kaigaku, the other two were freaking out.

"What?! You're too small for your age!" Hayate goes to smother Zenitsu as if to make up for his small figure.

"What? That's a normal size for an seven year old." Weirded out, Kaigaku looks at Kazeo hoping he'd back him up, "Excuse me? No it isn’t. I had a sister that was his age and she wasn't even as skinny as he is!" Kaigaku groans as Kazeo grumbles on about how he should feed Zenitsu more as if he isn't gonna grow back.

They get out of the restaurant with the other two waving them off.

Off to the next mission.

If they don't work please go to my twt [@Vermin_sleepy] I'll be posting it there as well!